Correlation of placental thickness and placenta percreta in patients with placenta previa: findings from MRI

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to identify if placental thickness measured from MRI images correlated with placenta percreta in patients with placenta previa.

Methods: Placental thickness was retrospectively measured in 161 patients from July 2018 to August 2020. The measurements were performed at the thickest part of the placenta in the lower uterine segment on the mid-sagittal plane MR images by two independent radiologists. Intraoperative and pathologic findings were the standard of reference. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the relationship between clinical features, placental thickness, and placenta percreta. The predictive ability of placental thickness was demonstrated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results: Placental thickness in patients with placenta percreta was significantly higher than in patients with placenta increta, placenta accreta, and normal placentas (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that placental thickness was the only independent risk factor for placenta percreta. The cutoff value of placental thickness was 4.35 cm for differentiating placenta percreta in patients with placenta previa.

Discussion: Patients with placenta percreta had the highest placental thickness. Placental thickness was correlated with placenta percreta.

Keywords: MRI; PAS disorders; Placenta previa; Placental thickness.